One of the buildings attacked by armed insurgents during their raids on Afghan institutions and foreign embassies in several provinces, including the capital Kabul. Photo: UNAMA/F. Waezi

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today strongly condemned a car bomb and suicide attack in the country"s capital, Kabul, which killed eight civilians and injured 11 others.

"Such indiscriminate and illegal attacks are unacceptable and that those responsible are fully accountable for the deaths and injuries of civilians," UNAMA said in a press statement.

The attacks reportedly targeted the international community and took place less than 200 metres from a school where children were studying or on their way to school, and where teachers were working. Women and children were amongst the dead.

UNAMA commended the rapid response of the Afghan National Security Forces, which quickly contained the incident. It also offered its condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Last month, the UN spoke out against a series of attack which also targeted international organizations in the country, as well as foreign diplomatic missions in the capital.

In March, the Security Council extended UNAMA"s mission for one year so it can continue supporting the country as it goes through the process of assuming full responsibility for its security, governance and development efforts.